For a quarter-century DCLF has helped shape the skills our community leaders need to turn challenge into opportunity and conflict into collaboration. In honor of the program’s 25th year, DCLF is embarking on an even bolder mission to expand our communities leadership capacity and foster a new generation of civic engagement that is committed to making a positive difference where we live, work and play.
 
The 2009 DCLF program will be like none other in its history. For the first time, the more than 700 alumni who have participated in the program will be directly involved with the current class. This will provide an unprecedented opportunity for new participants to directly leverage the skills, knowledge and rich experiences of civic and business leaders recognized for their commitments and work throughout the Denver metro region. Combining the energy of a new class with the passion of those who have come before them will spark a level of unprecedented action.
 
The 2009 program will revolve around a monthly curriculum similar to years past (sample below) and be highlighted by what many call the life-changing adventure of Outward Bound. The program will run from April through November, 2009.  It will be driven by the nationally recognized academic professionals of the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Public Affairs making it one of the most highly regarded leadership development programs available in the Rocky Mountain West. 

 
Join us for a bold new year by contacting Louise Ninneman at (303) 748-2758 or louise.ninneman@ucdenver.edu .  The deadline for application is March 2, 2009.

Curriculum:

 

April 23, 2009
Community Engagement and Involvement/ Civic Responsibility – This seminar will begin building relationships among the participants, as well as introduce the purpose and concept of the DCLF program. Louise Ninneman and Effley Brooks will explore collaborative leadership. (Full day)

May 8, 2009 
Leadership-What is it anyway? - Developing an understanding of the various schools of thought about leadership can provide an important framework for our discussions about leadership throughout the DCLF year. In this experiential session, we will explore different concepts and theories about leadership, hopefully challenging ourselves to broaden our ways of thinking about leadership. David Marvin will present. (Full day)
 
May 14, 2009
Change Happens – Are you ready? -  The pace at which change happens in our organizations and communities seems to be ever increasing, and knowing how to manage change is a vital leadership skill. This session will focus on understanding methods and frameworks for managing change utilizing examples of real challenges faced by participants.  Gruffie Clough and Darvin Ayre will present. (Full Day)

May 15, 2009
Conflict Management – A critical element in making things work is to match appropriate approaches to specific situations. Some situations demand consensus for achieving results and preempting conflict. Some demand a more direct intervention. Others, when conflict occurs, need effective tools for managing conflict and getting results. This seminar will examine recent approaches to mediation and negotiation, which have application at several levels – interpersonal, organizational, and community. Jeff Wein and Roz Schneider will conduct this seminar. (Full day)

June 18, 2009
Adaptive Leadership – Dr. Allan Wallis will dissect the concept of adaptive leadership. He will discuss the latest theories and practices and compare them with historical and contemporary practices of great leaders. Dr. Wallis will use tools and concepts developed by Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky.

June 19, 2009
When Teams Work Best – Dr. Carl Larson, author and scholar, will present on the five critical factors that ensure team success and the specific strategies and techniques you can use as a member or leader of a team. You will learn to overcome your biggest challenge by making relationships on your team self-corrective. (Full day)

July 11-15, 2009
Outward Bound – Our personal approach to leadership has much to do with the results we achieve. Empowering ourselves through mastering new challenges can help build the commitment, sense of self-efficacy and perseverance we need. A time of reflection can help make our purpose become clearer. The Outward Bound program provides an opportunity to look closely at ourselves, and it is also a way of experiencing how to empower others in working together. The Colorado Outward Bound School and Effley Brooks will design and manage this 5-day course.

August 20, 2009
Creativity and Leadership – This seminar will explore the connection between creativity, humor, and leadership. This session includes an interactive presentation by the World Humor Organization. Come with an open mind and an active imagination. (Full day)

September 24, 2009
Open Session – This session will be designed based on the requests and interests of the DCLF class participants.

September 25, 2009
Diversity – Frequently, barriers to change in communities and organizations result from inherent cultural and gender differences between people. This seminar will take a look at some of those differences and how we can use them to better work together. Effley Brooks will lead this session. (Full day)

October 22, 2009
Open Session – This session will be designed based on the requests and interests of the DCLF class participants.

October 23, 2009
Leadership & Ethics - As leaders, many of the most difficult situations we struggle with have to do with questions of ethics and values. In this seminar, we will examine the role of ethics in decision-making and organizational life, and view ethical frameworks from the perspectives of each of the three sectors. Buie Seawell (Full day)
 
November 20, 2009
Graduation – The graduation program and ceremony will be planned by the DCLF Class of 2009